Snake Habitats

Snakes are no limbed reptiles consisting of a head and skeletal muscle system that is known for its strength and flexibility. Reptiles are warm-blooded creatures, meaning that the warmth and stability of their body temperature is contingent on the temperature around them. This means that snakes must live in a habitat that supports their cold-blooded nature. Snakes are found all over the world except in the far Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica.

  1. Deserts

    • The desert is a prime habitat for various snake species. The intense sun allows snakes to receive ample sunlight to maintain body temperature. Deserts, climatically, allow for both warmth and cool-down periods for a snake. The ground rapidly heats during the day, warming the reptiles; and as nighttime comes around, heat radiation keeps the air temperatures warm enough for survival. Famous desert snake species include Western diamond back (America), African Cobra and the desert horned viper.

    Tropical Rainforests

    • Tropical rain forests sustain the highest diversity of living organisms on the planet; without surprise, a plethora of snake species have adapted to tropical rain forests. Rain forest snake species are specially adapted to tree climbing and spend a majority of their time in the mid and lower levels of the canopy. Rain forest snakes are also well adapted to river systems and can usually fair well with swimming. The Amazon River Basin region is a prime example of a habitat that requires adaptation to water. Some rain forest snakes have adapted a color pattern that greatly matches either the tree branches and leaves of its surroundings or the decaying plant matter on the forest floor. The puff adder, python and anaconda are prime examples of rain forest snake species.

    Subtropical and Deciduous Snake Habitat

    • Subtropical forests and deciduous forests feature an array of snakes. These regions experience harsher winters than deserts and tropical rain forests, so snakes are accustomed to boring or creating temporary habitats underground where it is warmer. These snakes are usually found solely on the forest floor or near bodies of water. A large percentage of forests in Western Europe and North America consist of deciduous trees, meaning they loose their foliage in winter. Snakes in this habitat hide themselves and insulate in the dying leaves. Copperhead snakes, coral snakes, black rat snakes and corn snakes are types of deciduous forest snakes. The first two listed are highly venomous snakes.

    Home Habitat

    • Snakes are often domesticated, and in recent years, have become popular pets. When bringing the snake into your home, you have to create a proper habitat for it to survive. A snake requires either a small holed cage or aquarium. You also need a heat lamp to provide warmth to the snake. Simple newspaper clippings are ideal cage liners for snakes as they can also burrow in the clippings. Also, provide a medium-sized water bowl for the snake to both drink out of and rest in if necessary.